Geisinger symposium highlights innovation and research

DANVILLE, Pa. - A recent symposium brought together colleagues from across Geisinger to showcase a less well known, but vital, aspect of the health system: collaborative, cutting-edge research.

The 2026 Research Symposium, held March 18 at the Henry Hood Center on the Geisinger Medical Center campus, highlighted innovation and impactful research undertaken to improve all aspects of healthcare. Geisinger employees, including providers and those within Geisinger College of Health Sciences, are encouraged to conduct research as part of their commitment to providing outstanding care and educating future healthcare leaders.

"Research is at the heart of how we continuously improve care for our patients and communities," said Christa Martin, Ph.D., chief scientific officer and vice dean for research at Geisinger. "Events like this symposium showcase not only the depth of innovation across Geisinger, but also the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change."

Geisinger researchers presented findings on several high-impact topics, including:

● Genomics and precision medicine
● Artificial intelligence
● Predictive modeling
● Environmental health
● Behavioral and mental health
● Innovations in healthcare delivery, such as telemedicine and digital health tools

Media inquiries for more information or expert commentary are welcome.

Because Geisinger prioritizes research and education, it's considered a "learning healthcare system." Keynote speaker Leora Horwitz, MD, MHS, director of the Center for Healthcare Innovation and Delivery Science at NYU Langone Health, explained how researchers working within a health system can generate real-time data that is analyzed and applied to improve patient outcomes. She emphasized that high-performing systems like Geisinger embed learning into everyday care delivery.

The event concluded with the presentation of two honors recognizing excellence in mentorship and research achievement. Lisa Bailey-Davis, DEd, RD, received the inaugural Research Mentor Award for her commitment to developing emerging researchers. David J. Carey, PhD, received the Henry Hood Medal and Award for Clinical and Research Excellence for his contributions to advancing translational genomics and precision medicine.

The 2026 Research Symposium underscored the strength of Geisinger's research community and its commitment to advancing care through innovation.

About Geisinger College of Health Sciences
Educating. Inspiring. Leading. At Geisinger College of Health Sciences, we bring innovation and purpose together to educate the next generation of healthcare leaders. As the academic and research arm of the Geisinger family, our college was founded to enhance and improve community health, with a focus on discovery, hands-on learning and applied practice across our system. Today, we offer a research institute, graduate medical education, schools of medicine, graduate education and nursing, and faculty and professional development programs. Visit geisinger.edu/gchs.

The College is committed to nondiscrimination in all employment and educational programs or activities. Concerns or questions may be directed to the Title IX coordinator whose contact information is available at geisinger.edu/titleix.